This year’s Catholic Social Services Memorial Golf Classic and Auction is being held in memory of Jose Quintero, a long-time volunteer who passed away in June of 2021. His wife Mary joins John Soukup in this podcast to share some stories of this amazing man, and how a flower reminds her that Jose is watching over her to this day, providing a special message of Hope in the Good Life.
Abdulrazzak Alkoutaini, or "Abdul," is a refugee from war-torn Syria. While starting a new life in a new country can be hard, he said when he and his family were greeted with the words "Welcome Home" by a CSS refugee case worker after arriving in Lincoln, the fear of the unknown disappeared. He is now a CSS refugee case worker himself, and he continues to use those same words when greeting new Nebraskans as he helps them start their new lives.
''Love and sacrifice are closely linked, like the sun and the light. We cannot love without suffering, and we cannot suffer without love.'' That quote from St. Gianna reflects the work of the Marian Sisters, who are advocates for women escaping domestic violence who receive services through our St. Gianna Program (SGP). In this podcast, we hear how Sr. Carol, Sr. Karen, and Sr. Bernadette help these women and families experience love for themselves and make the necessary sacrifices to build bett...
Diana Amaya didn't know six years ago that getting a food pantry from Hastings Catholic Social Services would eventually change her life. This survivor of domestic violence is now helping others find Hope in the Good Life as a bilingual emergency services coordinator and case manager for Hastings CSS. Diana tells us how the Holy Spirit guided her to where she is today.
Dr. Don Foote needed to get out of the house. His wife had died a few years ago and he needed to keep busy in order to stave off loneliness. Working in the CSS workshop, which he calls St. Joseph's Workshop, provided the hope he needed to use his talents and benefit others. Now he provides Hope in the Good Life as a volunteer at Catholic Social Services in Hastings.
Shirley Lang has humbly made a difference over the years. This year's Heart of Christ Award winner has worked with Catholic Social Services (CSS) over the years, having young women who chose life for their children stay with her during and after their pregnancies. Her love for His children extended to refugees fleeing violence. Years ago, CSS encountered a teenage boy who arrived from Cambodia and was living on the street. Shirley and her family opened their home to this young man, who stayed wi...
In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform each year.
In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform with him every year.
In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform with him every year.
In case you missed Trumpet Fest 2023 on February 19, here are a few selections recorded at this annual event to benefit Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Special thanks to Kevin Murray who both organizes and performs at this event for nearly two decades, bringing talented guests to perform with him every year.
For almost 20 years, Kevin Murray has been raising money for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska with his trumpet. He heads up "Trumpet Fest," taking place on February 19th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lincoln. Kevin tells us how this event not only inspires but also gives back in so many different ways through the gift of music.
Since 2010, Kay Wessel has been providing hope in the good life one diaper at a time throughout southern Nebraska. The diaper drives she's helped to organize through the years have resulted in more than a million diapers going to needy families. Kay tells us what inspired her to start this project and how it has gotten national and international attention.
After retiring from a successful professional career, John White wanted to find a way to give back to the community. Passionate about immigration and migration issues and following Catholic social teaching with regard to welcoming the stranger and the dignity of the human person, he chose to volunteer at CSS. He tells us how his work in cultural orientation is fulfilling.
Lindsay was in an abusive relationship, but knew there had to be a way out. She knew that God wanted something more for her and her son, so she prayed for a solution, and soon found St. Gianna Women's Homes.
Ameer Damanhoury didn’t know much about CSS when we first met. The more he learned about the services we provide, the more compelled he felt to give back. The importance of giving back was something his mother taught him when he was a child through her example of helping the poor. Join Ameer in supporting our work by donating online at csshope.org/donate.
Roy and Charlene Diers will be honored with the Love of Christ Award at the Hastings Catholic Social Services Bountiful Harvest Banquet on October 30, 2022. Charlene talks about how a saint inspires she and her husband to do the small things that make a big difference.
Born in a refugee camp in Africa, Nyabuoy Chan never imagined moving to America as a young adult to start a new life. She now uses that experience in her role as a CSS Refugee Resettlement and Senior Case Manager to help others find hope in the good life in Lincoln, a city she calls very friendly and welcoming to new arrivals.
Elaine Wagener has been a "greedy" volunteer at Catholic Social Services for more than a dozen years. Greedy, in the sense that she loves doing things that make her happy. Elaine tells us why she gets more out of volunteering than what she puts in.
Despite facing terminal cancer, Mary Steinmetz was not afraid of dying. She was not afraid because she found hope in her faith and the love she and her young daughter feel from the people around them, including those at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Mary died on January 22, 2023. She leaves behind a host of loving family members and friends, and she will be greatly missed. This interview with Mary was recorded last year, a testament to her kind-hearted, witty and fun personality...
A nurse for over 35 years, Sherry was used to helping people. However, her generosity got her into financial trouble in retirement, and she could not pay her rent and other bills. Hear how Sherry got back on her feet by asking for help from Catholic Social Services and the Family Support Services (formerly Emergency Services) program.
Steve Sousek is on a mission to fuse his love of running with his passion for the pro-life movement, supporting both unborn children and women in crisis. It’s why he formed “Runborn,” and he is raising money for Catholic Social Services' St. Gianna Women’s Homes(SGWH)and the Lincoln’s Women’s Care Center by “running for their lives” July 22-23, 2022. In this podcast, Steve talks about how he’s helping to bring hope in the good life to these women and their unborn babies.
You are invited to Walk to End Hunger! John Soukup interviews Mike Hosek, coordinator of the August 7, 2022, event to raise funds and food for the CSS Food Market in Lincoln. The event is sponsored by BetterLife and Knights of Columbus Council 13576 (at St. Patrick Catholic Church). You can donate online at bit.ly/walk426-13576. To participate, email Mike at mikehosek72@hotmail.com or call 402.570.9294, or just show up the day of the event!
A group of young missionaries is in Lincoln, Nebraska, this summer that are committed to learning more about their Faith and themselves while serving the poor. They are bringing hope in the good life to our homeless friends and sharing their experience and expertise with CSS.
Recognized as a nationwide leader in the integration of contemporary scientific psychology and the Christian vision of the human person, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center (IHMCC) is another avenue through which Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska provides "hope in the good life". Vice President of Clinical Services and licensed psychologist Dr. Courtney Miller talks about the wide array of services IHMCC provides.
Faheem Rashidi and his family came to this country from Afghanistan in 2000 and were resettled in Lincoln by Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Today, he is a successful businessman who shares his story of how he found hope in the good life.
Once again, Catholic Social Services is participating in Give Hastings Day (a 24-hour fundraising event scheduled for 5/5/22). In this podcast, hear Hastings CSS Regional Director, John McDonald, talk about the many services CSS Hastings provides, and why we’re excited to be a part of this event.
Kathy Florence has a love of art, and of the mission of Catholic Social Services. Hear how she uses her artistic gift to bring more hope to the good life.
More than 100 Afghan refugees arrived in Lincoln within a few short weeks after escaping from home country. Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Services helped these new Nebraskans settle in to a new country and culture. Resettlement Director Poe Dee, and Senior Case Manager Elham Fazli talk to John Soukup of CSS about their experiences.
Renee Cunningham is a volunteer for Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. In this interview with CSS Development Officer John Soukup, Renee shares her experience of organizing a drive to provide household items for over 100 Afghan refugees arriving around the same time in Lincoln, Nebraska.
St. Gianna Women's Homes (SGWH) is a place of refuge for survivors of domestic violence & crisis pregnancies. Catholic Social Services Development Officer John Soukup interviews "Nikki," a resident of SGWH, as she shares how she discovered hope for herself and her children.
